Pub punters face drugs tests (From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News)
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Pub punters face drugs tests
3:59pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Kirsty James
Special Constable Charlotte Stiles with the Itemiser machine. Photo: submitted.
PUB-goers on a night out in Burnham could face a drugs test as part of a police operation.
The town centre beat team has started using a £35,000 Itemiser machine, which can detect traces of drugs from hand swabs in a matter of seconds.
The scheme, run in partnership with pubs in the area, allows police to carry out tests on customers entering licensed premises and search them if high traces of drugs are found.
PC Tracey Stiles, who is leading the operation, said: “The machine can be used to find several drugs including heroin, cocaine and ecstasy.
“It takes about ten seconds and if the results come out above a certain threshold we can search someone and even arrest them if we find drugs on them.
“It’s part of our commitment to ensuring Burnham enjoys a safe night-time economy and is supported by local licensees.”
Pubs taking part have agreed to the Itemiser being used as a condition of entry, so anyone who refuses may not be allowed in.
The scheme, which began last weekend, will be running regularly throughout the spring and summer.
